Getting Your Quebec Drivers License: Requirements and Things to Know

If you are preparing for the drivers licensing process in Quebec you probably feel a little intimidated.

This is very common. Getting your drivers license is a complex process and it seems like there are various rules at every step along the way. One of the most difficult parts of getting your license is navigating your way through the graduated licensing requirements. While the graduated drivers license program will help you to learn to drive while taking fewer risks it will require diligence from you in understanding and adhering to the various restrictions that you will face along the way.

How To Proceed

1

What Are the Requirements for a Quebec Drivers License?

One of the first things that you will need to do is learn the requirements for getting a Quebec drivers license. This will help you to understand when you can start applying and what you will need to do. For example one of the requirements is that you must pass a vision test. If you know that your vision isn’t good enough to pass the test, you might want to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor so that you can get the corrective lenses that you will need. In Quebec you must be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18 you will also need parental consent.

2

Register for a Driving Course

The first step to getting a Quebec license is to take a required driving course. Make sure that the course you choose is approved by the AQTR. This course will include classroom study and practical study. Find a list of approved Quebec driving schools online, choose one that will work for you and schedule your first class.

3

Start Getting Your Learners License

Once you have passed phase 1 at your driving school you can start working on your learners license. When you go into the SAAQ service center take along either your SAAQ ID or two pieces of verifying information like a birth certificate or a passport. You will also need to provide either your health insurance card or a license that authorizes you to operate a vehicle. At this time you will pay a $13.97 fee.

4

Fill Out Necessary Paperwork

There will be much paperwork to complete as you start the process of getting a learners license. You will need to bring your parents if you are under 18 and will need to complete an application as well as medical forms and other documents. Once you complete these forms and pay the necessary fees you can receive a learners license.

5

Start Practicing

Now that you have your learners license you can start driving on Quebec roads as long as you meet certain conditions and abstain from certain practices. When you have a learners license you can only drive with a certified driving instructor during your driving course or with an accompanying driver when you aren’t taking your course. Your accompanying driver must have held a license for at least 2 years and they must be willing to help if needed and to offer counsel and advice. You cannot drink any alcohol before driving and will lose your license if you get more than 4 demerit points during this time.

6

Take the Knowledge Test

After you have held your learners license for at least 10 months you can take your knowledge test (use our FREE state-of-the-art Quebec permit practice test to prepare!). Make an appointment for this test online or by calling the SAAQ service center. When you make your appointment have your learners license handy since you will need to provide the number listed on the license. The test will cost $10. If you fail this test you will need to wait at least 28 days before you are eligible for a retest. To save yourself the hassle of having to retest and pay for this test more than once, make sure that you study carefully for this test and that you take our free permit practice test plenty of times before going in.

7

Schedule Your Road Test

After 12 months of holding a learners license you can take your road test. Before you can take this test you must have fully completed your entire AQTR driving school, passed your knowledge test and held your learners license for at least 1 year. You will need an appointment for this test so use the Internet or the automated service to schedule an appointment.

8

Taking Your Road Test

When you arrive at the testing center for your road test make sure that you bring along your learners license, your SAAQ id (if you have one) and a proof of identity like a birth certificate or passport. You will need parental consent, proof of completion of your driving course, a registered and insured vehicle, $20.25 for your road test and $18 for your license. If you do not show up for your appointment there will be a cancelation charge. Also contact the testing center in cases of bad weather to see if the test will still be held. You will need to provide your own vehicle for the test and cannot bring family or friends or pets on the actual test with you.

9

Get Your Provisional License

Once you pass the road test you can receive a provisional license. This provisional license is very similar to a restriction free license. You will have this provisional license for at least 24 months. During this time you cannot receive more than 4 demerit points and you must always drive with a 0% blood alcohol level. Since you have a provisional license you are not authorized to be a supervising driver for other novice drivers.

10

Get Your Full License

Once the 24 months have passed you can receive a full license as long as you have met all the necessary conditions. Make sure that you drive carefully to avoid getting demerits and losing your license during this time. It is also important to drive carefully. Remember that new drivers are much more likely to get into an accident than experienced drivers.